Cattle Tick Program Act (H.R. 388)

Summary

Orders the government to hire a college to study the program that fights cattle ticks, checking if it works well and isn't too hard on ranchers.

What problem does this solve?

The current program to stop cattle fever ticks might be inefficient or create too many problems for ranchers. This bill requires an independent review by an agricultural college to find problems and suggest ways to make the program better.

What does this bill do?

Mandatory program review

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to hire a land-grant college or other agricultural college to conduct a full review of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program.

Evaluation of program impact

Specifies the review must check the program's success in stopping tick-borne diseases, its benefits and burdens for cattle producers, and its treatment methods.

Report to Congress

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to send a report to Congress with the review's findings and suggestions for making the program better for ranchers.

Review of program funding

Requires the review to look at how federal and state money is spent on the program, including funds for specific research projects.

Who does this affect?

Cattle producers
Department of Agriculture
Agricultural colleges

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures program effectiveness

Checks if the government's program for fighting cattle ticks is working well and using money wisely. The goal is to make sure the program helps ranchers without creating too many problems for them.

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Addresses producer concerns

Suggests that cattle producers may be unhappy with the current program's rules or results. The required review could lead to changes that make it easier or cheaper for ranchers to follow the rules.

When does this start?

Key actions, including a program review and a report to Congress, must be completed within specific deadlines after the bill becomes law.

Deadline for review contract

The Secretary of Agriculture must offer a contract to a college to review the program no later than 1 year after this bill becomes law.

Deadline for report to Congress

A report with the review's findings must be sent to Congress no later than 1 year after the review contract is signed.